Overview
- Appearing via video on CNN’s New Year’s Eve with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, Colbert delivered the line from his New Jersey home while taking shots on air.
- CBS says The Late Show will conclude in May 2026 and the franchise will be retired, citing roughly $40 million in annual losses.
- Industry figures have challenged that explanation, with Jimmy Kimmel calling the company’s claims “obviously lies” and some pointing to political pressure from President Donald Trump’s attacks.
- The decision arrived during Paramount’s merger with Skydance that was later approved, placing David Ellison in charge of the combined company.
- Colbert has continued to needle his corporate owners, joking about a reported $108 billion Paramount counterbid for Warner Bros. Discovery and previously lampooning billionaires with Alan Cumming.